Foster parent ban: Mr Justice Beatson 'UK's best academic lawyer'

There is no place in British law for Christian beliefs, despite this country’s
long history of religious observance and the traditions of the established
Church, two High Court judges said. Here is a profile of Mr Justice Beatson.

Image 1 of 2

During Mr Justice Beatson's academic career he was considered an expert on contract and public law with a particular interest in constitutional and administrative lawPhoto: UPPA

Image 1 of 2

Eunice and Owen Johns outside the High Court. They said they held 'normal, mainstream, Christian views'Photo: JANE MINGAY

He is a former chairman and Rouse Ball Professor of English Law, at the University of Cambridge’s Faculty of Law and founding director of the Centre for Public Law and Honorary Fellow of St John’s College, Cambridge.

In 2001 became Fellow of the British Academy while in 2009 he was named President of the British Academy of Forensic Sciences.

He was once described by Lord Falconer, the then Lord Chancellor as an “outstanding academic lawyer” who was “well known to the wider legal community through his many writings”.

He lists his recreations as “trying to relax and amateur gardening”. He is married to Charlotte and they have a daughter and a son, who is deceased.